Hurricane season ends/ severe weather begins

December 5, 2012

The 2012 Atlantic Hurricane seaon ended last Friday, much to the relief of communities that border the ocean or Gulf of Mexico.

Based on the combined number, intensity, and duration of all tropical storms and hurricanes, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration classified the season as above-normal.

Gone are the tropical and flood-warning forecasts, but strong cold fronts are expected during the course of the next few weeks.

Article Photos

FILE PHOTOAn active hurricane season is officially over. Tropical Storms Sandy and Isaac had an impact on island seawalls and property.

Offficials from the Florida Division of Emergency Management would like to remind Floridians that emergency preparedness does not end with hurricane season. One must stay prepared for the beginning of Florida's severe weather season.

"This year, Floridians were reminded of the effects tropical systems can have on our communities and that it only takes one storm to have an impact," said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. "As we move into severe weather season in Florida, I urge all Floridians to maintain emergency plans and disaster supply kits to ensure preparedness for all types of hazards."

The hurricane season produced 19 named storms, 10 which became hurricanes and one (that did not make landfall) was labeled a major hurricane. While the number of named storms and hurricanes was above the average of 12 and six respectively, the barrier island of Estero Island was spared of any major catastrophes.

Fort Myers Beach received less of aan impact from two tropical storms: Sandy and Isaac, but were touched nonetheless. The main casualty of those storms appeared to be sea turtle nests that were built along the beachfront.

"It's sad, frustrating and stressful for turtlers who have put in a lot of hours of work," Haverfield said at the time. "Had it been man-made damage, that would have been a different matter. But this is nature, and sea turtles have survived nature for 200 million years."

Based on the combined number, intensity, and duration of all tropical storms and hurricanes, NOAA classifies the season as above-normal. Post-tropical Cyclone Sandy left its mark on New Jersey and relief efforts continue along the shoreline there and elsewhere.

Since 1995, a well-established climate pattern has placed the area in an ongoing era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes. Several inter-related atmospheric and oceanic factors contributed to these high activity years, including warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures, an enhanced West African monsoon, and reduced vertical wind shear.

NOAA will release its pre-season outlook for the 2013 hurricane season in May.